The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has warned that more than 148 communities across 17 Local Government Areas of Jigawa State are at high risk of flooding during the 2026 rainy season, prompting fresh calls for preparedness and early action to protect lives and property. The warning comes as the……
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has warned that more than 148 communities across 17 Local Government Areas of Jigawa State are at high risk of flooding during the 2026 rainy season, prompting fresh calls for preparedness and early action to protect lives and property.
The warning comes as the National Emergency Management Agency intensifies its nationwide disaster preparedness campaign aimed at reducing the impact of flooding and other natural disasters.
Speaking during a one-day stakeholders’ engagement on disaster preparedness in Dutse, the Director-General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, represented by the North-West Zonal Director, Aliyu Shehu, said communities located along riverbanks and waterways remain particularly vulnerable to flooding this year.
The programme, themed “Strengthening Disaster Risk Governance for a Resilient Nigeria,” brought together government agencies, emergency responders, traditional leaders and community representatives to discuss measures for mitigating flood risks.
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NEMA urged residents living in flood-prone areas to relocate from vulnerable locations, avoid dumping refuse into drainage channels and remain vigilant throughout the rainy season.
The agency also advised residents to familiarize themselves with evacuation routes and strictly comply with official warnings and weather advisories whenever they are issued.
According to NEMA, flooding remains one of the most devastating natural disasters in Nigeria, affecting thousands of households annually through loss of lives, destruction of homes, critical infrastructure and farmlands.
The agency noted that early preparedness and community awareness are key to reducing the impact of disasters and safeguarding livelihoods.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency, Hannafi Yakubu, assured residents that the state government has put adequate measures in place to respond effectively to any flood emergency.
He disclosed that the state government has deployed 20 speedboats to strengthen evacuation and rescue operations in flood-prone communities.
Yakubu added that food and non-food relief materials have already been stocked to support affected persons in the event of displacement.
Also speaking, officials of the Jigawa State Environmental Protection Agency said extensive drainage clearance and environmental sanitation activities are ongoing to improve water flow and reduce the risk of urban flooding.
Stakeholders at the meeting offered recommendations on early warning systems, community sensitization, environmental management and coordinated emergency response to minimize the impact of possible flooding.
With meteorological forecasts indicating increased flood risks in several parts of Nigeria this year, authorities say preparedness remains the most effective defence.